Virginia: Alcohol and drugs
Virginia’s BAC limits, implied consent, administrative license suspension, and penalties for drivers under 21. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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Alcohol and drugs — Part 1
Questions in this part include: “At what blood alcohol content (BAC) are drivers age 21 or older considered to be driving under the influence (DUI)?”
StartAlcohol and drugs — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “For a third DUI offense, how long does the Administrative License Suspension last?”
StartAll 46 Alcohol and drugs questions with answers
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At what blood alcohol content (BAC) are drivers age 21 or older considered to be driving under the influence (DUI)?
- .05 percent or higher
- .10 percent or higher
- .15 percent or higher
- .08 percent or higher
Show answer
Correct answer: .08 percent or higher
The manual says drivers age 21 or older are legally DUI at a BAC of .08 percent or higher.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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Can you be convicted of DUI with a BAC lower than .08 percent?
- No, only at .08 percent or higher
- Yes, if your driving is impaired
- Yes, but only if you are under age 21
- No, unless you refuse a breath test
Show answer
Correct answer: Yes, if your driving is impaired
If your driving is impaired, you can be convicted of DUI even with a BAC lower than .08 percent.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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For a driver under age 21, which BAC range can lead to a conviction of illegal consumption of alcohol?
- At least .02 but less than .08
- At least .05 but less than .10
- At least .08 but less than .10
- At least .04 but less than .06
Show answer
Correct answer: At least .02 but less than .08
Under age 21, a BAC of at least .02 but less than .08 can bring a conviction for illegal consumption of alcohol.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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A driver under age 21 has a BAC of .08 or higher. Of what could the driver be convicted?
- Only reckless driving
- Only a parking violation
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Nothing, because .08 applies only to drivers age 21 or older
Show answer
Correct answer: Driving under the influence (DUI)
The manual says a driver with a BAC of .08 or higher could be convicted of a DUI.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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If your driving is impaired because you are under the influence of any drug, what may you face?
- Lighter penalties than driving under the influence of alcohol
- The same penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol
- Penalties only if the drug is illegal
- A warning only if it is a prescription drug
Show answer
Correct answer: The same penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol
Impairment by any drug can bring the same penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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Just one alcoholic drink can affect your driving ability because even a small amount of alcohol affects which functions of the brain?
- Hearing, memory and reading ability
- Digestion, hearing and balance
- Speech, hearing and memory
- Vision, judgment and coordination
Show answer
Correct answer: Vision, judgment and coordination
Even a small amount of alcohol affects the brain’s functions, particularly vision, judgment and coordination.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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Twelve ounces of beer is the same as which other drinks?
- Two shots of liquor or a five-ounce glass of wine
- A shot of liquor or a ten-ounce glass of wine
- Half a shot of liquor or a five-ounce glass of wine
- A shot of liquor or a five-ounce glass of wine
Show answer
Correct answer: A shot of liquor or a five-ounce glass of wine
A 12-ounce beer has the same alcohol as a shot of liquor or a five-ounce glass of wine.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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What can decrease intoxication?
- Coffee
- Only time
- A cold shower
- Exercise
Show answer
Correct answer: Only time
Only time can decrease intoxication; coffee, cold showers and exercise will not sober you up.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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What is the only way to avoid the risks of drinking and driving?
- Drink slowly and limit yourself to one or two drinks
- Eat a large meal and drink plenty of water while you drink
- Decide before you start drinking that you are not going to drive
- Wait until you are sure the effects are wearing off
Show answer
Correct answer: Decide before you start drinking that you are not going to drive
The manual says the only way is to decide before you start drinking that you will not drive.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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When is making the decision not to drive a lot more difficult?
- After one or two drinks
- After a long day of driving
- After eating a heavy meal
- After taking a nap
Show answer
Correct answer: After one or two drinks
Alcohol affects judgment, so deciding not to drive is much harder after one or two drinks.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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When attending a social event where alcohol will be consumed, what should you plan ahead for?
- A place to sleep in your car
- A sober ride home
- Extra time to drive slowly
- A late-night snack to stay alert
Show answer
Correct answer: A sober ride home
You should plan ahead for a sober ride home, using alternative transportation or a sober driver.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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What does combining alcohol with other drugs usually do?
- Cancels the effects of each
- Reduces the effects of the alcohol
- Adds no effect on driving
- Multiplies the effects of both
Show answer
Correct answer: Multiplies the effects of both
Alcohol combined with other drugs usually multiplies the effects of both.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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One drink taken while you are on another drug, even an aspirin or cold medicine, could have the same effect on your driving as what?
- Drinking several alcoholic beverages
- Drinking one alcoholic beverage on its own
- Taking a double dose of the other drug
- Driving after a full day without sleep
Show answer
Correct answer: Drinking several alcoholic beverages
Alcohol mixed with even a mild drug can affect driving as much as several drinks would.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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Which drugs can reduce your ability to drive safely?
- Only drugs that are illegal in Virginia
- Only prescription drugs prescribed by a doctor
- Almost any drug, not just illegal ones
- Only drugs taken in large amounts
Show answer
Correct answer: Almost any drug, not just illegal ones
Almost any drug can reduce your ability to drive, not just illegal drugs.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs for headaches, hay fever, colds or allergies can cause what?
- Faster reaction times and sharper alertness
- Better coordination
- Drowsiness and dizziness
- Improved night vision
Show answer
Correct answer: Drowsiness and dizziness
Many such medicines can cause drowsiness and dizziness, which affect alertness and slow reaction time.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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Possession of marijuana by people over age 21 is legal. What is the law on driving under the influence of marijuana?
- It is still illegal
- It is legal for drivers age 21 or older
- It is legal if the marijuana was bought legally
- It is legal when only a small amount is used
Show answer
Correct answer: It is still illegal
Although possession is legal over age 21, driving under the influence of marijuana is still illegal.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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What should you do before taking any drug or medicine?
- Check with a friend who has taken the same medicine
- Take a small test dose and drive a short distance
- Wait to see how you feel before reading the label
- Read the label and look for warnings about side effects
Show answer
Correct answer: Read the label and look for warnings about side effects
The manual says to read the label and look for side-effect warnings before taking any drug.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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If you are uncertain about the effects of a drug, whom does the manual say to ask for advice?
- A friend who has taken it
- Your pharmacist or doctor
- Another driver
- A law enforcement officer
Show answer
Correct answer: Your pharmacist or doctor
You should ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure how a drug will affect you.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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What does the manual say about the effects of drugs on different users?
- The effects may vary among users, but no drug is harmless
- All drugs have the same effect on every user
- Drugs sold without a prescription are harmless for drivers
- Only illegal drugs can harm a driver’s ability
Show answer
Correct answer: The effects may vary among users, but no drug is harmless
Effects vary from person to person, but no drug is harmless.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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Under implied consent laws, what do you agree to when you operate a motor vehicle on Virginia’s public roads?
- To allow officers to search your vehicle at any time
- To pay for any roadside testing yourself
- To attend a driver improvement clinic after every stop
- To take a breath test upon request
Show answer
Correct answer: To take a breath test upon request
Driving on Virginia’s public roads means you have agreed to a breath test when asked.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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If you are in a crash and an officer has probable cause, within how long after the crash can you be arrested for DUI without a warrant?
- Within three hours
- Within one hour
- Within six hours
- Within 24 hours
Show answer
Correct answer: Within three hours
An officer with probable cause can arrest for DUI without a warrant, at any location, within three hours of the crash.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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Your driving privilege will be automatically suspended if you are charged with driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs and you do what?
- Refuse to answer the officer’s questions or your BAC is .05 percent or higher
- Drive with a passenger under age 18 in the vehicle
- Refuse a breath test or your BAC is .08 percent or higher
- Have a previous speeding conviction on your record
Show answer
Correct answer: Refuse a breath test or your BAC is .08 percent or higher
The Administrative License Suspension applies when you refuse a breath test or your BAC is .08 percent or higher and you are charged.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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How long is your driving privilege automatically suspended under the Administrative License Suspension for a first offense?
- 14 days
- Seven days
- 30 days
- 90 days
Show answer
Correct answer: Seven days
For a first offense the automatic suspension lasts seven days.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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How long is your driving privilege automatically suspended under the Administrative License Suspension for a second offense?
- Seven days, the same as a first offense
- One year from the date you are charged
- Until a driver improvement clinic is completed
- 60 days or until you go to trial, whichever comes first
Show answer
Correct answer: 60 days or until you go to trial, whichever comes first
For a second offense the suspension lasts 60 days or until trial, whichever comes first.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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For a third DUI offense, how long does the Administrative License Suspension last?
- Until the trial
- For 60 days no matter what happens
- For seven days
- For one year from the date of the charge
Show answer
Correct answer: Until the trial
On a third DUI offense the automatic suspension lasts until the trial.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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If you receive multiple DUI convictions, how do the suspension/revocation periods run?
- At the same time
- Only the shortest one applies
- Consecutively
- Only the most recent one applies
Show answer
Correct answer: Consecutively
Multiple DUI convictions mean the suspension or revocation periods follow one after another.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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If you are convicted of DUI, how do the court’s and DMV’s penalties relate to the Administrative License Suspension?
- They replace the Administrative License Suspension
- They are imposed in addition to the Administrative License Suspension
- They are cancelled if you already served the Administrative License Suspension
- They apply only if you did not have an Administrative License Suspension
Show answer
Correct answer: They are imposed in addition to the Administrative License Suspension
A DUI conviction brings a suspension or revocation and other penalties on top of the automatic Administrative License Suspension.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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Besides having an open alcohol container in the passenger area with the contents partially removed, what else must be true for you to be charged with drinking while operating a motor vehicle?
- You are driving faster than the speed limit
- You have a passenger under age 21 in the vehicle
- You have a previous DUI conviction
- You show signs that you have been drinking
Show answer
Correct answer: You show signs that you have been drinking
The charge requires both the partly emptied open container in the passenger area and signs that you have been drinking.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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For open container laws, what is included in the passenger area of a vehicle?
- An unlocked glove compartment
- The trunk of the vehicle
- The engine compartment
- A cargo box on the vehicle’s roof
Show answer
Correct answer: An unlocked glove compartment
The passenger area includes the seats and any area within the driver’s reach, including an unlocked glove compartment.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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For open container laws, how is the passenger area defined?
- Only the seat where the driver sits, plus the floor space below the steering wheel
- Only the seats occupied by passengers and the area directly behind them
- The area that seats the driver and passengers and any area within the driver’s reach
- The whole vehicle, including the trunk and any cargo area behind the rear seats
Show answer
Correct answer: The area that seats the driver and passengers and any area within the driver’s reach
The passenger area is the seating area plus anything the driver can reach.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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A DUI conviction involving a juvenile passenger carries an additional mandatory jail term of how long?
- Two days
- Five days
- Ten days
- 30 days
Show answer
Correct answer: Five days
A DUI conviction with a juvenile passenger adds a mandatory five-day jail term to all other fines and sentences.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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For the extra penalties for a DUI offense with a juvenile in the vehicle, which passenger counts as a juvenile?
- A passenger age 12 or younger
- A passenger age 15 or younger
- A passenger age 20 or younger
- A passenger age 17 or younger
Show answer
Correct answer: A passenger age 17 or younger
A juvenile passenger is anyone age 17 or younger in the vehicle at the time of the offense.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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A DUI conviction with a juvenile passenger in the vehicle may also bring an additional fine of what amount?
- At least $500 and up to $1,000
- At least $100 and up to $500
- At least $250 and up to $750
- At least $1,000 and up to $2,500
Show answer
Correct answer: At least $500 and up to $1,000
The extra fine for a DUI with a juvenile passenger is at least $500 and up to $1,000.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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A second DUI offense with a juvenile in the vehicle carries an additional community service requirement of how many hours?
- 20 hours
- 40 hours
- 80 hours
- 120 hours
Show answer
Correct answer: 80 hours
A second DUI offense with a juvenile in the vehicle adds an 80-hour community service requirement.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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For how long is your vehicle impounded immediately if you are caught driving after your license has been suspended for an alcohol-related offense?
- 3 days
- 30 days
- 10 days
- 60 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 30 days
Driving on a license suspended for an alcohol-related offense gets the vehicle impounded immediately for 30 days.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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If you are convicted of driving after your license was suspended for an alcohol-related offense, for how much longer can the court impound your vehicle?
- An additional 30 days
- An additional 60 days
- An additional 180 days
- An additional 90 days
Show answer
Correct answer: An additional 90 days
The court can impound the vehicle for an additional 90 days after a conviction.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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Depending on local laws, up to how much may you be responsible for paying the cost of the law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire fighters and rescue personnel who respond to a crash or incident resulting from your DUI violation?
- $500
- $2,500
- $1,000
- $5,000
Show answer
Correct answer: $1,000
Restitution for the responders to a DUI-related crash or incident can be up to $1,000, depending on the city or county.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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Under what age are you not allowed to purchase, possess or consume alcohol in Virginia?
- Under age 18
- Under age 21
- Under age 19
- Under age 20
Show answer
Correct answer: Under age 21
Persons under age 21 cannot purchase, possess or consume alcohol.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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You are convicted of driving after illegally consuming alcohol and your BAC was at least .02 percent and less than .08 percent. What suspension of your driving privilege is part of the court penalty?
- 30 days from the date of conviction
- 90 days from the date of conviction
- Six months from the date of conviction
- One year from the date of conviction
Show answer
Correct answer: One year from the date of conviction
The court penalty includes a one-year suspension from the date of conviction.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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You are convicted of driving after illegally consuming alcohol with a BAC of at least .02 and less than .08 percent. Besides the suspension, the penalty includes a minimum mandatory fine of $500 or what else?
- At least 50 hours of community service
- At least 20 hours of community service
- A five-day jail term
- Completion of a driver improvement clinic
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 50 hours of community service
The court may instead require at least 50 hours of community service in place of the $500 minimum fine.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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You are under age 21 and are convicted of driving after illegally consuming alcohol with a BAC of .08 percent or higher. What penalties may you face?
- Only the penalties for a BAC of at least .02 and less than .08 percent
- A warning only on a first offense
- The same penalties as an adult
- Reduced penalties because you are under age 21
Show answer
Correct answer: The same penalties as an adult
With a BAC of .08 percent or higher, a driver under 21 may face the same penalties as an adult.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
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Which person can you not provide or sell alcoholic beverages to without being subject to a fine, a license suspension and jail?
- Someone age 21 or older who is sober and has valid ID
- Someone ordered by a court to refrain from drinking alcohol
- Someone who is a licensed commercial driver and age 21 or older
- Someone who holds a learner’s permit and is age 21 or older
Show answer
Correct answer: Someone ordered by a court to refrain from drinking alcohol
Providing or selling alcohol to a person under 21, an intoxicated person, or someone ordered by a court not to drink carries penalties.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
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What are the penalties for providing or selling alcoholic beverages to a person under age 21?
- A fine up to $500, suspension of your license for 30 days and 5 days in jail
- A fine up to $1,000, suspension of your license for 90 days and 6 months in jail
- A fine up to $5,000, revocation of your license for two years and 24 months in jail
- A fine up to $2,500, suspension of your driver’s license for up to one year and 12 months in jail
Show answer
Correct answer: A fine up to $2,500, suspension of your driver’s license for up to one year and 12 months in jail
The penalties are a fine up to $2,500, a mandatory license suspension for up to one year, and 12 months in jail.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
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You are under age 21 and use or attempt to use a fake ID to establish a false age in an attempt to drink or purchase alcohol. What suspension of your driver’s license do you face?
- Mandatory suspension for at least six months but not more than one year
- Mandatory suspension for 30 days
- Mandatory suspension for at least one year but not more than two years
- Mandatory suspension for exactly 90 days
Show answer
Correct answer: Mandatory suspension for at least six months but not more than one year
Misrepresenting your age with a fake ID brings a mandatory suspension of at least six months and no more than one year.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
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Under age 21, using a fake ID to establish a false age to drink or buy alcohol brings what fine and community service?
- A fine of at least $100 and at least 10 hours of community service
- A fine of at least $250 and at least 20 hours of community service
- A fine of at least $500 and at least 50 hours of community service
- A fine of at least $1,000 and at least 80 hours of community service
Show answer
Correct answer: A fine of at least $500 and at least 50 hours of community service
A person under 21 who uses a fake ID this way is fined at least $500 and must do at least 50 hours of community service.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
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Virginia has a zero tolerance law against which of these?
- Driving without insurance
- Underage drinking
- Playing loud music while driving
- Drowsy driving
Show answer
Correct answer: Underage drinking
The manual states that Virginia has a zero tolerance law against underage drinking.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)